By Steve Oko
Governor Alex Otti, has called on Abians in the diaspora to return their investments to the state, saying his administration has restored security and created a business-friendly environment.
This is as Abiriba leaders have secured firm commitments from the Abia State Government to restore electricity to Abiriba, tackle life-threatening erosion and kick-start the remodelling of the Akahaba General Hospital.
Governor Otti spoke while receiving a delegation of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) Worldwide, led by its General President, Chief Yuccee Ottah Uwah, at Government House.
He said the deliberate recovery of Aba and other parts of the state was aimed at laying a solid foundation for investment inflows.
“We focused first on recovering Aba and stabilising the state. Having done that, we are now positioned to bring our people’s investments back home,” Otti said.
The governor noted that while foreign investment remains important, huge volumes of local capital have moved abroad.
“Many of our people run manufacturing outfits in China, Turkey and elsewhere. Home is still home. We want them to start coming back, and many already are,” he added.
Otti specifically challenged the Abiriba community to invest in the Star Paper Mill, formerly owned by late Chief Nnanna Kalu, which the state government recently re-acquired from AMCON after years of dormancy.
“We have fully taken it over and paid AMCON. It now belongs to Abia State. Government will not run it; that is the role of the private sector,” he said.
He explained that the state was open to discussions with credible investors who have the capacity and capital to revive the factory and restore its nearly 2,000 jobs, stressing his preference for local investors over foreign interests.
“I have received proposals from outside the country, but I would rather see our people take ownership, turn it around and employ our people,” Otti stated.
The governor also directed key officials to engage Abians nationwide and in the diaspora to coordinate efforts at attracting investments back home.
On concerns raised by the delegation, Otti assured that measures were underway to address erosion challenges in Abiriba, restore electricity supply across Abia North, and commence renovation of the Akahaba General Hospital.
Earlier, Chief Uwah commended the governor’s performance, citing major road projects, hospital upgrades and the recovery of Star Paper Mill, and pledged the Abiriba community’s support in the 2027 elections.
He also highlighted lingering erosion and power supply challenges in the area.
Chief Uwah stressed that despite major road improvements, Abiriba’s economy cannot fully rebound without electricity, after nearly 15 years of blackout.
In a goodwill message, former Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, said Governor Otti had achieved in two years what previous administrations failed to do in 24 years, particularly in road infrastructure and land administration.
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